Big Dreams Start With Lion City Cup

Older siblings inspired some to take up the game; UTR programme also seen as a boon

- Samuel Tan

For the past 12 months, Lukyan Tan has been living on his own in Madrid, honing his football skills with Spanish side Atletico Chopera's youth team under the Unleash The Roar! (UTR) overseas football scholarship.

The 16-year-old Singaporean forward will be keen to put what he has learnt into practice this week, having received his first national call-up as part of the Singapore Under-16 boys' squad.

The Cubs, led by Lion City Sailors academy manager Ashraf Ariffin, will be taking part in the July 8-13 Lion City Cup (LCC) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Lukyan, currently on a summer break, said he has benefited from the Spanish stint, adding: "The training has been a lot tougher and the matches as well because the players are much better (than me)."

Staying in a foreign country by himself has also enabled him to pick up some life skills and be more independent. When he feels homesick, a phone call to his family always helps to banish that feeling.

Lukyan can also turn to his siblings for footballing advice. His older brother Louka Tan won the Singapore Premier League Under-21 Golden Boot with Hougang United last season, while older sister Lila plays for Still Aerion in the local Women's Premier League.

"My brother is the reason I started to play football," said Lukyan, who is eyeing a professional football career in Europe.